Understanding Facet Joint Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief Options in Tempe AZ

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care — but what many don’t realize is that a significant percentage of back pain comes from a very specific source called the facet joints. Facet joint pain, sometimes referred to as facet syndrome, is one of the most common spinal conditions we care for here in Tempe AZ.

This article will help you understand:

• What facet joints are
• Why they can become painful
• The symptoms to watch for
• The most effective treatments to help you get relief

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What Are Facet Joints?

Your spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae. Each vertebra connects to the ones above and below it through small joints called facet joints.

These joints:

• Allow bending, twisting, and movement
• Help stabilize your spine
• Have nerve endings, so they can become painful when irritated

Over time, or with certain movements, these joints can wear down, become inflamed, or compress nearby nerves, leading to chronic or sharp pain.

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Common Causes of Facet Joint Pain

Facet joint pain can develop slowly over time or appear suddenly. Common causes include:

• Repetitive Stress or Overuse
• Poor Posture
• Spinal Degeneration / Arthritis
• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Heavy Lifting or Strain
• Sports or Exercise Injuries
• A Sudden Twist or Fall

Because the facet joints support and guide movement, they are especially sensitive to repeated stress and poor joint mechanics.

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Symptoms of Facet Joint Pain

You may be dealing with facet joint pain if you notice:

• Localized back pain (does not radiate down the leg)
• Pain that is worse in the morning
• Pain triggered by bending backward or twisting
• Tight muscles on one side of the spine
• Difficulty standing up straight after sitting
• Pain that improves when sitting or leaning forward

Important:

Facet joint pain usually does not cause numbness, tingling, or shooting pain into the leg. If those symptoms are present, a disc injury or nerve compression may be involved instead.

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How Facet Joint Pain Is Diagnosed in Tempe AZ

At Axis Spine and Sport - Tempe, our providers take a detailed approach to identify the exact source of pain, including:

• Postural and movement assessment
• Chiropractic and orthopedic testing
• Range of motion evaluation
• Palpation of the facet joints and surrounding muscles
• Reviewing prior imaging (if available)
• Ordering X-rays or MRI only if clinically necessary

Correct diagnosis is essential — because facet joint pain is often misdiagnosed as disc pain, leading to weeks or months of the wrong treatment.

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Effective Care for Facet Joint Pain in Tempe AZ

The goal of treatment is to:

• Reduce inflammation
• Improve joint mobility
• Restore balanced movement patterns
• Prevent the pain from returning

Treatment Options May Include:

• Chiropractic Adjustments
  Restore proper motion to the facet joints and relieve pressure.
• Soft Tissue Therapy & Massage
  Reduces muscle guarding and improves circulation.
• Corrective Exercise & Movement Therapy
  Strengthens the deep stabilizing muscles of the spine.
• Posture & Ergonomic Coaching
  Helps eliminate the root cause of stress on the joints.
• Spinal Decompression or Traction (if needed)
  Used only where disc irritation overlaps facet involvement.

Most patients see improvement within a few treatments, especially when care is combined with home exercises.

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Can Facet Joint Pain Be Prevented?

Yes — especially when you address the underlying movement or posture patterns that caused the stress on the joints in the first place.

Key prevention strategies include:

• Strengthening core and glute muscles
• Avoiding prolonged sitting
• Taking breaks to move throughout the day
• Practicing safe lifting technique
• Maintaining healthy spinal mobility

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Get Relief from Facet Joint Pain

You don’t have to live with chronic back pain. The right treatment approach can help you move better, feel better, and stay active without relying on medications or invasive procedures.

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Schedule an Appointment at Axis Spine and Sport - Tempe

Call or Text: (480) 454-4776
Or Book Online: www.axisspineandsport.com

Our team at Axis Spine and Sport - Tempe is here to help you recover quickly and get back to the life you love.